Background

Traditional polymeric binder is not mechanically robust enough to withstand the stress that is induced during lithiation/delithiation. This leads to severe disruption of the conduction networks. This results in rapid capacity fade and poor lifetime.

Technology Overview

Researchers at TCD have developed a new class of conductive binder to fabricate high-capacity Si/2D conductive materials electrodes without any additional polymer or Carbon black.

This technology uses MXene inks, titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) and carbonitride (Ti3CNTx) as the conductive binder for producing high-capacity nanoscale Si/MXene electrodes.

Further Details:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08383-y

Benefits

Radically improve the energy density of Li-ion batteries by replacing the state-of-the-art current electrodes with a novel MXene composite.
Negates the need for the binder and conductive additives found in today’s electrodes.
Compatible with the existing technologies and processes.
The estimated energy density in full-cells is: 250 Wh/kg (traditional) vs 450 Wh/kg (this MX/Si).

Applications

Deep cycle and starter batteries.
Can be used in many battery types and shapes.
Adaptable to emergent battery technologies, e.g. printed microbatteries.

Opportunity

Research collaboration.
Available to License.

High-capacity Silicon Anodes

Patents

IP Status

Seeking